2f vs LS - A Character Discussion

[MoaByte]

But if my 2F was on it's last legs, I would upgrade to a V8.

 

[tclark]

I don't have experience with the LS swap but can assure you that you wouldn't lose the tractor feeling with a diesel. Mine sounds and smokes like a tractor that can go faster than you should in a FJ60 and accelerate up any hill I've found. In 4 low I'm not sure what it would take to lug it down. I lived with the 2F for almost 20 years and don't regret my conversion at all.

Have you ever driven a vehicle and thought "If only it had less power?".

What diesel are you running?

 

[jakerudy]

What diesel are you running?

6BT. Here is the link.

FJ-60 diesel conversion

I've put around 15k miles on it since the conversion and would not go back.

 

[Godwin]

A 2f is slightly inadequate in a 40 series. In a 60 series it is terribly inadequate. Unless you only use your 60 series to go to the local ice cream stand, a motor swap is the way to go. And 60 series even bone stock restored aren't worth that much compared to other classic vehicle like a old bronco or something so its not like your losing 40k in value by installing a v8. But then the question is-diesel or v8?

Still have the 2F and often hit the ice cream shops 200 miles away.

 

[Tancruiser]

If your going to butcher it you may as well put and automatic in it to . Join the sheep and go buy a jeep.

 

[tclark]

6BT. Here is the link.

FJ-60 diesel conversion

I've put around 15k miles on it since the conversion and would not go back.

Ah, gotcha. That's way more that I'd be looking for. Nice job though.

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

My 84 60 didn't come with a factory tow hitch, rear speakers, 4Runner wiper arms or Halogen headlights. My resale is totally blown now.
In all seriousness fellers, Cruisers were ment to be driven regardless. Early 40s came stock with biased ply tires. Why change to a radial, it wasn't factory?
Build your Cruiser to fit your needs. Things change as necessary to keep them active. Otherwise you have an antiquated vehicle that doesn't perform to the current standards. In 20+ years the question will be "why are you using fossil fuels to drive that?"

 

[zprovo]

But the cool factor of a manual choke and being EMP bomb resistant is worth way more than being able to pass minivans. And the confusion of folks when the carb fan is running and you are walking away. You will miss it. A little... I'm sure.

for maximum confusion, i'm going to put my carb fan back in after the swap (it was grounded to the body anyway)

 

[tclark]

for maximum confusion, i'm going to put my carb fan back in after the swap (it was grounded to the body anyway)

Just route it to your intake and wire to a switch labeled "Turbo Boost"...

 

[Hojack]

The diesel motor has so many ways to tune it to your needs. You can make your own fuel. I love the tractor feeling and with the option to compound turbo, innercooler, VE or P pump. The options almost become limit less.

 

[Hojack]

The diesel motor has so many ways to tune it to your needs. You can make your own fuel. I love the tractor feeling and with the option to compound turbo, innercooler, VE or P pump. The options almost become limit less.

Not to mention... blow black smoke

 

[White Stripe]

The diesel motor has so many ways to tune it to your needs. You can make your own fuel. I love the tractor feeling and with the option to compound turbo, innercooler, VE or P pump. The options almost become limit less.

How is it as a daily driver though? Does the turbo lag or hard starts in the winter get old? What about in dense traffic, is it more of a process where you slowly get over and wait for the turbo to spool before you rocket by them vs a LS that just has instant punch although not as much punch overall?

 

[White Stripe]

Still have the 2F and often hit the ice cream shops 200 miles away.

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I agree the 2f has a lot of cool character as those pics show. And they do just fine offroad. Those pics are pretty cool.

 

[Hojack]

How is it as a daily driver though? Does the turbo lag or hard starts in the winter get old? What about in dense traffic, is it more of a process where you slowly get over and wait for the turbo to spool before you rocket by them vs a LS that just has instant punch although not as much punch overall?

My dodge 3500 6 speed dually spools amazing and can burn the tires. Can’t wait for the 4BT swap in my cruiser. I guess it’s just what your use to.

 

[Godwin]

I agree the 2f has a lot of cool character as those pics show. And they do just fine offroad. Those pics are pretty cool.

There's also been a lot of interstate miles between those photos running the 60 at 65+.

 

[jakerudy]

How is it as a daily driver though? Does the turbo lag or hard starts in the winter get old? What about in dense traffic, is it more of a process where you slowly get over and wait for the turbo to spool before you rocket by them vs a LS that just has instant punch although not as much punch overall?

As a daily driver it is loud, powerful and gets 20 mpg. I've started the 6BT when it was below 5 degrees F without plugging in the block heater. It started but wasn't happy about it.

In traffic the 6BT and NV4500 do not lend themselves to drag racing but once rolling it can push you back in your seat at just about any sane speed. I haven't found turbo lag to be an issue at all. Overall the LS is probably more civilized but also more complicated. The 6BT is the zombie proof option with more stock power than you really need. And you can always turn up the fuel if you want more.

 

[Joe T]

I wouldn’t molest a nice strong original one but an LS swapped 60 Series would be a cool daily driver. Wouldn’t be a huge sin if you planned to run it into the ground driving it a lot anyway.

 

[EasternYeti]

My 87 has a vortec with the H55, honestly couldn’t be happier with it. As far as character goes, it definitely doesn’t lack any. though you might find your character may change behind the wheel of one..

All things considered though I travel 80 miles a day, through the city and on the freeway. The ability to cruise at 70, and the speed in which it can climb to that makes it enjoyable where he stock drive train would need to take a breath. The truck is driven year round, almost every day for that reason.

Parts are another thing I’ve come to appreciate. If I’m ever in a pinch I know a local auto parts store will have what I need without having to sell my first born child.

For me it’s about drivability and availability. It still looks, smells, and behaves like a 30 year old pig

 

[Carp]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Basically I'm getting the feeling that it doesn't matter which way I go, the truck will still be enjoyable, just in slightly different ways.

The one thing that had me leaning more towards a swap and h55 is the availability of parts. Good luck finding anything for a 2f at the local Napa. Granted, we have a ton of great vendors in the Cruiser community, they're still a few days shipping of you break down.

 

[Joe T]

Some examples of what i have.

My 87 came with a bad motor, almost perfect every where else including original carpet, original floor mats, a nice older repaint and Etc. Can change the radio, dashpad, and front door panels (cut for speakers) and call it “restored”; it’s that nice.
It is getting a warmed over 2F, not numbers matching, and an H55 5 speed.

My 85 is a bone dry survivor, it is staying stock down to the emissions.

I’ve seen other nice ones out there that if in the case of a tired motor would be getting an LS swap. Example- trucks with different color paint, aftermarket interior, big lifts, wheels/tires, racks/bumpers, etc

I’m not a Toyota nut swinger just don’t want to jack with something nice.